Cirroteuthidae Keferstein 1866

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Introduction

Species in the family are entirely pelagic and have a very fragile, gelatinous structure and eyes that vary from large to small to degenerate. They are usually found in association with the ocean floor (benthopelagic) at great depths. Some have, however, been caught far above the bottom and one specimen was dip-netted through an ice hole in the Arctic.

Figure. Ventral and aboral views of Cirroteuthis muelleri taken by an ROV in the Canadian Basin of the Arctic Ocean. The short, slender arm tips extend beyond the web. The web nodules are seen where the web intersects the arm from the ventral side. Frame grabs from a video taken during a NOAA/OE Census of Marine Life cruise; provided by Kevin Raskoff.

Cirri

Very long: Longest more than 8 times largest sucker diameter.

Suckers

Central portion of each arm with small, flattened suckers, nearly lacking acetabulum (i.e., aperatures may be virtually absent), on stalks that are either slender or swollen and fluid-filled.

Page: Tree of Life
Cirroteuthidae Keferstein 1866.
Authored by
Michael Vecchione, Richard E. Young, and Katharina M. Mangold (1922-2003).
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